Sep 13, 2015, 8:16 am
Last edit by: beltway
Beginning September 12, 2015, two new Amtrak-branded credit cards are available through Bank of America:
Both cards offer the following benefits:
The World MasterCard offers these additional benefits:
If my application is not instantly approved, is there a special contact number for Bank of America?
Try calling 888-221-6262 or 866-811-4108. (M-F 8am-7pm EST)
When will I receive my World MC Companion Coupon/Upgrade Coupon/ClubAcela Pass?
"Companion Coupon and One-Class Upgrade Coupon are available online through your Amtrak Guest Rewards account. Your ClubAcela pass will be mailed to you within 2 weeks of account opening."
How soon will my AGR points post after I complete the required spend?
Bank of America transfers your signup bonus points to Amtrak a day or two after the end of the monthly billing cycle in which you complete the required spend.
Are these cards churnable?
TBD
- World MasterCard (20K pts for $1K spend in 3 months; $79 AF, not waived)
- Platinum MasterCard (12K pts for $1K spend in 3 months; no AF)
Both cards offer the following benefits:
- Earn 1 AGR point for non-Amtrak purchases
- Earn a bonus for Amtrak ticket and on-board purchases
- World MC earns a total of 3 AGR pts/$
- Platinum MC earns 2 AGR pts/$
- Receive a 5% points rebate on award redemptions for Amtrak travel
- No forex fee on purchases outside the US
- Your AGR points will never expire as long as you hold either card
The World MasterCard offers these additional benefits:
- Earn 2 AGR pts/$ on non-Amtrak travel purchases
- Per the T&C, this includes airlines, car rental agencies, hotels, motels, inns, resorts, and steamship/cruise lines. In cases where the merchant of record is not Amtrak, this 2pts/$ category also includes travel agencies, passenger railways, and commuter railways. (The last two were originally excluded, but are included as of 2021 or possibly earlier.)
- Earn 1,000 TQPs for every $5,000 in eligible purchases, up to 4,000 TQPs in any calendar year
- Purchases are credited for the year of the statement on which they are billed. For an account that closes on the 20th of each month, purchases after Dec. 20 will count in the following year.
- On account opening, receive a single-day pass for access to ClubAcela, Amtrak Metropolitan Lounge or First class lounges
- Per T&C, "ClubAcela pass valid for bearer and one guest, or bearer's spouse/domestic partner and children under the age of 21. No same-day ticket required for use."
- On account opening and at each anniversary renewal, receive a Companion Coupon and One-Class Upgrade
- "Companion Coupon valid for one (1) free companion rail fare with the purchase of one (1) regular (full) adult rail fare. Free companion and paying passenger must reserve at the same time and travel together at all times. Valid for travel as one (1) one-way or one (1) roundtrip on one reservation per coupon. For roundtrip usage, both directions of travel must be reserved at the same time. Travel blackout dates apply."
- Blackout dates for 2016: Jan. 2-3; Feb. 12; Feb. 15; Mar. 24-25; Mar. 28; May 27; May 30; Jul. 1; Jul. 4; Sept. 2; Sept. 5; Oct. 10; Nov. 22-23; Nov. 26-28; Dec. 21-24; Dec. 26-30.
- Blackout dates for 2017: Jan. 1-2; Feb. 17; Feb. 20; Apr. 13-14; Apr. 17; May 26; May 29; Sept. 1; Sept. 4; Oct. 9; Nov. 21-22; Nov. 24-27; [other dates TBD].
- "One-Class Upgrade Coupon valid for one (1) space-available, one-way, one-class upgrade. Valid only from Coach to Business class, or from Acela Business class to Acela First class, on a single travel segment or leg. Not valid for upgrade to sleeping car accommodations. Travel blackout dates apply."
- "Companion Coupon valid for one (1) free companion rail fare with the purchase of one (1) regular (full) adult rail fare. Free companion and paying passenger must reserve at the same time and travel together at all times. Valid for travel as one (1) one-way or one (1) roundtrip on one reservation per coupon. For roundtrip usage, both directions of travel must be reserved at the same time. Travel blackout dates apply."
If my application is not instantly approved, is there a special contact number for Bank of America?
Try calling 888-221-6262 or 866-811-4108. (M-F 8am-7pm EST)
When will I receive my World MC Companion Coupon/Upgrade Coupon/ClubAcela Pass?
"Companion Coupon and One-Class Upgrade Coupon are available online through your Amtrak Guest Rewards account. Your ClubAcela pass will be mailed to you within 2 weeks of account opening."
How soon will my AGR points post after I complete the required spend?
Bank of America transfers your signup bonus points to Amtrak a day or two after the end of the monthly billing cycle in which you complete the required spend.
Are these cards churnable?
TBD
New Amtrak Guest Rewards MasterCard arriving Fall 2015
Sep 18, 2016, 7:32 pm
#406
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: On strike
Posts: 8,135
Thank you; wiki updated. If anybody else has the blackout dates for the rest of 2017, please post.
Oct 22, 2016, 6:22 am
#407
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 49
I was just approved for this card. The black out dates for 2017 showing in my account are:
Jan. 1-2, 2017; Feb. 17, 2017; Feb. 20, 2017; Apr. 13-14, 2017; Apr. 17, 2017; May 26, 2017; May 29, 2017; Sep. 1, 2017; Sep. 4, 2017; Oct. 9, 2017; Nov. 21-22, 2017; Nov. 25-27, 2017
Jan. 1-2, 2017; Feb. 17, 2017; Feb. 20, 2017; Apr. 13-14, 2017; Apr. 17, 2017; May 26, 2017; May 29, 2017; Sep. 1, 2017; Sep. 4, 2017; Oct. 9, 2017; Nov. 21-22, 2017; Nov. 25-27, 2017
Oct 22, 2016, 11:00 am
#408
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: On strike
Posts: 8,135
I was just approved for this card. The black out dates for 2017 showing in my account are:
Jan. 1-2, 2017; Feb. 17, 2017; Feb. 20, 2017; Apr. 13-14, 2017; Apr. 17, 2017; May 26, 2017; May 29, 2017; Sep. 1, 2017; Sep. 4, 2017; Oct. 9, 2017; Nov. 21-22, 2017; Nov. 25-27, 2017
Jan. 1-2, 2017; Feb. 17, 2017; Feb. 20, 2017; Apr. 13-14, 2017; Apr. 17, 2017; May 26, 2017; May 29, 2017; Sep. 1, 2017; Sep. 4, 2017; Oct. 9, 2017; Nov. 21-22, 2017; Nov. 25-27, 2017
Oct 28, 2016, 7:31 am
#409
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Seattle, WA
Programs: AS MVPG75K, HH Diamond, Hyatt Explorist, AGR S+
Posts: 366
Probably too late now but I too had the old Chase card and just received an email from AGR with a 30k offer. It specifically mentioned that I was a former cardholder. Also includes a 15k offer for the fee-free card. May pull the trigger on that one in December (offer expires 12/31).
Oct 28, 2016, 12:00 pm
#410
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Boston environs
Programs: AAdvantage
Posts: 559
Much delayed response. I completed the downgrade last month ahead of the annual fee. It is not a very smooth process, I ended up being transferred several times from the customer service number on the back of the card. Ended up with customer relations who submitted a request for the product change and advised I would have an answer in 7 to 10 days. Email confirmation came on day 7. They had to reissue the card as well, new account number. Pretty sure there were several days between deactivating the old card and arrival of the new as well.
If I were not minding my inquiries, I would have probably just applied for the no fee and then cancelled the premium for less hassle and more points.
If I were not minding my inquiries, I would have probably just applied for the no fee and then cancelled the premium for less hassle and more points.
Oct 28, 2016, 12:04 pm
#411
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: DCA
Posts: 439
Probably too late now but I too had the old Chase card and just received an email from AGR with a 30k offer. It specifically mentioned that I was a former cardholder. Also includes a 15k offer for the fee-free card. May pull the trigger on that one in December (offer expires 12/31).
Oct 31, 2016, 4:02 pm
#412
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan USA
Programs: Marriott lifetime Titanium, Delta Platinum
Posts: 5,472
Was told by BOA that if I downgraded, I would be given a new account number. So, instead of downgrading, I cancelled, and opened up a new Platinum account. Will be 12,000 points richer; and either way would have received a new account number.
Apr 19, 2017, 11:16 am
#413
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 527
Are these cards churnable like the Alaska airline cards, i.e cancel and reapply every 3-4 months and get fee waived?
May 4, 2017, 10:09 am
#414
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: NYC
Programs: Amtrak Select Plus, Marriott Platinum, Marriott Lifetime Gold, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 3,123
Anyone else having problems with the 1,000 TQP per $5,000 spend in 2017? Had no issues last year; they posted quickly and accurately.
This year, I had 1,000 TQP post early/incorrectly (they were counting some 2016 dollars towards 2017), which were later removed. Then, when I legitimately reached $5,000, not a word.
This year, I had 1,000 TQP post early/incorrectly (they were counting some 2016 dollars towards 2017), which were later removed. Then, when I legitimately reached $5,000, not a word.
May 4, 2017, 12:35 pm
#415
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: SEA
Programs: Alaska MVP Gold
Posts: 540
I just applied and was approved for this card again. I first opened it in Jan 2016 and cancelled it when the annual fee came due in Jan 2017. I then waited 3-4 months before reapplying. Hopefully I'll be able to do this every year! Essentially buying 20K Amtrak points for $79 every year.
May 4, 2017, 12:42 pm
#416
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: NYC
Programs: DL Platinum, AA Plat Pro, Bonvoy Lifetime Platinum, JetBlue Mosaic 3, Amtrak Select
Posts: 966
Anyone else having problems with the 1,000 TQP per $5,000 spend in 2017? Had no issues last year; they posted quickly and accurately.
This year, I had 1,000 TQP post early/incorrectly (they were counting some 2016 dollars towards 2017), which were later removed. Then, when I legitimately reached $5,000, not a word.
This year, I had 1,000 TQP post early/incorrectly (they were counting some 2016 dollars towards 2017), which were later removed. Then, when I legitimately reached $5,000, not a word.
Keep us updated!
May 9, 2017, 6:26 am
#417
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,135
Just applied for the WMC version - I am traveling back to Philly from Providence this fall after a Cape Cod trip and it was a lot cheaper to take Acela than fly, plus I can use the upgrade to First Class. I applied on the home page, only to then discover that I could apply for the card when purchasing the train ticket and then be able to use it immediately. It's odd both options use the same application page, yet you can't use your account instantly if you don't apply when booking travel. I ended up booking on another card just to make sure I secured my seat.
Jun 6, 2017, 2:19 pm
#418
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: SEA
Programs: Alaska MVP Gold
Posts: 540
Has anyone had an issue with churning this card and building up companion & upgrade certs? My first card renewed in Jan of this year, and I got my anniversary upgrade and companion cert. I then cancelled the card and didn't pay the annual fee, and the certs stayed on my AGR account. I then opened up a new card in May and have already received another 20K points, but have not received additional upgrade or companion certs. I also never received a Club Acela day pass. Has anyone had success in getting multiple of these certs on their account at the same time?
Jul 20, 2017, 5:42 pm
#419
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: SFO
Posts: 76
FYI, there's a new public offer for 30K after $1K in 3 months, $79 annual fee not waived:
https://www.applyonlinenow.com/USCCa...ntry?sc=VACTKC
Applied for two of these cards today. First was automatic approval, second was pending. Called into reconsideration and was told the second was flagged as a duplicate. Told the representative that I wanted both cards and after a brief hold was approved for the second card as well.
https://www.applyonlinenow.com/USCCa...ntry?sc=VACTKC
Applied for two of these cards today. First was automatic approval, second was pending. Called into reconsideration and was told the second was flagged as a duplicate. Told the representative that I wanted both cards and after a brief hold was approved for the second card as well.
Aug 3, 2017, 8:27 am
#420
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 1
Hello everyone, I'm considering getting the Guest Rewards World MasterCard and wanted to make sure that I understand everything correctly and that it would be the best choice for my situation. I have some questions and would appreciate any input that anyone could offer on them.
Brief background, I'm going to be a grad student making frequent trips between NYP and BAL (along with my girlfriend). I would guess that we'll take 30 Amtrak trips per year.
First question: for the $1,000 you have to spend to unlock the offer - obviously it's best to spend this on Amtrak travel to get the most points, but it's also impossible for us to accurately plan our dates of travel this far in advance. Is there a way to make this work? Would a $1000 Amtrak gift card count towards the 3x points or is there some other way to get the credit and points?
Secondly, it's 5x points for Amtrak travel right? 3x for the card and an extra 2x for guest rewards normally?
Lastly, the money spent on saver and student discount tickets counts towards earning points yes? I know you can't *redeem* points for these tickets, but we'll be buying saver and student discount tickets as much as possible so I wanted to be sure these tickets will still give full points.
Unfortunately on the BoA and Amtrak websites the offer seems to now be 20,000 points not 30,000, but even then it seems like for someone in my position it is a good decision to get this card. I'd appreciate any thoughts. Thanks!
Brief background, I'm going to be a grad student making frequent trips between NYP and BAL (along with my girlfriend). I would guess that we'll take 30 Amtrak trips per year.
First question: for the $1,000 you have to spend to unlock the offer - obviously it's best to spend this on Amtrak travel to get the most points, but it's also impossible for us to accurately plan our dates of travel this far in advance. Is there a way to make this work? Would a $1000 Amtrak gift card count towards the 3x points or is there some other way to get the credit and points?
Secondly, it's 5x points for Amtrak travel right? 3x for the card and an extra 2x for guest rewards normally?
Lastly, the money spent on saver and student discount tickets counts towards earning points yes? I know you can't *redeem* points for these tickets, but we'll be buying saver and student discount tickets as much as possible so I wanted to be sure these tickets will still give full points.
Unfortunately on the BoA and Amtrak websites the offer seems to now be 20,000 points not 30,000, but even then it seems like for someone in my position it is a good decision to get this card. I'd appreciate any thoughts. Thanks!